Massachusetts man among 61 to get sentence commuted by Obama

BOSTON &GT;&GT; A Springfield man is among 61 drug offenders whose sentences have been shortened by President Barack Obama.

A federal judge in Massachusetts sentenced Manuel Colon to 20 years in 2007 for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin, and a related charge.

The White House announced the commutations Wednesday. Under the president's order, Colon will be released July 28.

In a letter last summer to the judge who sentenced Colon, his lawyer said Colon had already served 12 years in prison since his arrest in 2003. He said current sentencing guidelines would call for a sentence of seven to nine years — less than Colon has already served.

Colon's lawyer said his behavior was not violent and he has a good conduct record in prison.

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